World-class accommodations and dining await it's many visitors. Santa Barbara is just a 1 1/2 hour drive north from Los Angeles or a short hop from any corner of the world via the Santa Barbara
airport. Santa Barbara's harbor is home to the world famous Stearns
Wharf where you can find many restaurants and shops as well as the Ty
Warner Sea Center. From the City, you are just minutes away from the Santa Barbara wine country. The gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley,
is home to such notable attractions as Solvang and the Chumash
Reservation & Casino. Whether you enjoy hiking, fine-dining,
lounging on the beach, culture, or a great night-life, Santa Barbara has something for you.

JonMahoney.com is your complete Santa Barbara Real Estate Guide for buying or selling homes in the Santa Barbara area. Use this site as your number one resource to search for Santa Barbara Real Estate, Montecito Real Estate, Hope Ranch Real Estate, Goleta Real Estate, Carpinteria Real Estate & Real Estate in the Santa Ynez Valley.
JonMahoney.com is also a great resource to discover all that Santa Barbara has to offer. We will be continually updating the site to provide more information on Santa Barbara Real Estate, the history of Santa Barbara, and all Santa Barbara has to offer.

Jon Mahoney has traveled extensively all over the world and can honestly say that Santa Barbara
truly is Paradise. Jon Mahoney is the ultimate professional who treats
every transaction as though he is dealing with his own money! Jon is
committed to providing his clients with the highest standards of
professionalism. Simply view his client testimonials page to see what his client's think.

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February 26, 2015

3717 Osito Ct, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

JUST SOLD!

Stunning 4BD 2BA Elegantly Remodeled Home in Vieja Valley School District. Spacious Formal Courtyard Entry. Large Lot with Exotic Landscaping throughout and a 6 Foot Retaining Wall Surround the Property for Privacy. Complete with Boutique Travertine Tile, Custom Finishes, Fireplace, 2 Great Rooms, and a Gourmet Kitchen. French Doors Open to an Entertainment Patio and Professionally Landscaped Yard.

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February 12, 2015

The number of households saying their income is significantly higher than it was a year ago is on the rise, as is the number expecting their financial situation to continue to move significantly higher over the next year — both reaching all-time survey highs in Fannie Mae’s January 2015 National Housing Survey, a poll of 1,000 Americans’ attitudes toward owning and renting a home.

Twenty-nine percent of households say their income is “significantly higher” now than it was 12 months ago. Also, 48 percent say they expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next year.

The increases in income are translating into higher optimism about the housing market. The number of households who said it was a good time to buy a home rose 3 percentage points in January to 67 percent, according to the survey. Also, the share of households who say they’d rather buy than rent if they were to move rose 5 percentage points to 66 percent, marking the first increase since September 2014, the survey shows. What’s more, 44 percent of households now say it’s a good time to sell, tying an all-time survey high.

“Consumers are as positive about their personal finances at the start of 2015 as they have been since we launched the National Housing Survey in 2010, and this optimism seems to be spilling over into housing market attitudes,” says Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae. “Consumers are more optimistic about the environment both for buying and for selling a home today, and the share who plan to own on their next move has jumped back up, reversing a three-month trend toward renting. … Overall, these are good signs to start off 2015 and are consistent with our expectation that strengthening employment and economic activity will boost the speed of the housing recovery.”

Additional findings from Fannie Mae’s January survey include:

The majority of households believe home prices will rise over the next year, an average of 2.5 percent over the next 12 months.

45 percent of respondents say they believe mortgage rates will also rise over the next year, falling by 3 percentage points compared to one month earlier.

52 percent of respondents believe home rental prices will rise over the next year — a slight decrease month over month. The average 12-month rental price expectation fell to 3.6 percent.

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February 4, 2015

Innovative marketing techniques, an emphasis on renewable features, and using big data to meet clients’ needs are just a few of the architectural trends that are set to influence real estate in 2015. Here are the design trends you need to keep an eye on in 2015.

Sustainable and Efficient Design: This year will bring continued interest in energy-efficient and passive design. The passive design movement sets a high standard for ultra-low energy buildings, with a focus on airtight insulation, solar power, and water-saving techniques.

Glass: Glass from floor to ceiling on the outside of buildings and in between offices has never been more popular. The material transmits natural light, natural heat, is aesthetically pleasing, and creates comfortable living and working conditions. Recent design reports echoe the importance of using solar energy by championing the use of glass on the inside and outside of buildings. According to them, glass brings a feeling of community to the workforce, makes offices feel less stodgy, and is not only cost-efficient but also good for the environment.

Treat Yourself: In residential design, clients are requesting features that focus on relaxation and stress-free living. Spa-like bathtubs, luxurious bathrooms, outdoor kitchens and patios, hot-tubs, and fire-pits are all in-demand right now. The rise in “boomerang kids” living at home with their parents post-college and elderly family members moving back in with their kids suggests that residential design in the future will have to be flexible.

Big Data: Big data is impacting just about everything these days, and architectural design is no exception. Data can help architecture firms better understand the needs of their clients and can help them build more efficient properties by treating buildings more like living organisms that can be monitored and changed with the evolution of the needs of the clients.

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Looking to buy or sell a luxury estate, home, condominium or investment property?

Let me help you find everything you need to know about buying or selling a home. Call or email me today!

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Jon Mahoney

Director, Luxury Homes Division

Professional Financial Planner

Keller Williams, Santa Barbara

(805) 689-0532

BRE# 01269717

info@JonMahoney.com

www.JonMahoney.com

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January 30, 2015

Home improvements should do triple duty: They should be attractive, make your home more comfortable, and save you money in the long run. That final point is a very important one, because if you are going to lay out a big chunk of change for home improvements, you want to be sure you’ll get your money’s worth.

If you’re ready to make some changes, these are the best places to use your home improvement funds.

Replacement windows

The Natural Resources Defense Council found that a third of a home’s total heat loss comes from drafty windows. Though energy-efficient replacement windows might seem like a large investment, they can save you money every month after installation, as well as beautify your home.

Serious insulation

According to Energy Star, good insulation can save up to 20 percent in energy costs. To be sure of how much insulation you need, find your location on the Energy Star map and look for the corresponding R-value.

Energy-efficient appliances

Appliances draw a great deal of power, so it pays to turn to energy-efficient models. The appliances in your home account for up to 20 percent of your costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By going with Energy Star products, you can reduce your home’s energy and water usage by 10-15 percent.

Programmable thermostat

Speaking of energy-efficiency, few things can help lower your heating bills like a programmable thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours each day can save up to 15 percent on heating costs.

Water heater

Fifteen percent of your utility bill goes to that old water heater, according to the DOE. If your tank is ancient, look into a tankless or on-demand water heater. A solar water heater can save a whopping 90 percent on operating costs.

The little things count, too

As you make these big changes, look to the smaller things, too. Close up drafts with caulk and weather-stripping, insulate switches and outlets, and unplug your appliances when they aren’t in use. To get even more ideas, invest in a home energy audit that can help you pinpoint what needs work.

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January 28, 2015

Thinking about taking on some small home improvement projects to boost the value of your home? Here are some smart upgrades and fixes that won’t cost a lot, but could help you clinch a deal if you’re trying to sell.

Consider curb appeal

First impressions are everything, and potential buyers often decide whether they’re interested in a home within seconds. As they’re walking toward your house, they’re asking themselves, “Could I live here?”

Keep the walkway swept and tidy, and spruce up your entryway landscaping with well-placed shrubs, new plants and trimmed hedges. And don’t underestimate the power of a new front door, fence or mailbox.

Buff up the bath

Sure, bathroom improvements can get pricey, but small cosmetic changes can reap big rewards. Consider replacing dated frosted glass with clear glass, updating fixtures or putting up new wallpaper.

Other projects that are worth the effort include re-grouting the tile, replacing an old vanity with a new one and buying a new toilet seat.

Make your kitchen cook

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where the family congregates, guests gather and the kids do their homework. To appeal to potential buyers, this space has to look clean, inviting and warm.

Beyond making sure your appliances work well and look shiny, consider updating cabinet doors and drawers, light fixtures and faucets. And a basic coat of neutral paint can go a long way toward impressing buyers.

Let there be light

Is there an old chandelier that needs to come down? Dated lamps that age the room? Take care of that!

Also, increase the wattage in dark rooms that lack natural lighting. Rooms will seem larger and more open. Visual space — or how large a home feels — is crucial.

Reconfigure the layout

Assuming you’ve already covered the basics, such as removing clutter and personal belongings to make rooms look larger, why not take it one step further and think about reconfiguring the layout?

Substituting one room’s use for another is a cheap way to transform a two-bedroom home with a den into a three-bedroom home, for example.